KUCHING: Sarawak is strengthening efforts to enhance women’s development by exploring opportunities to exchange expertise and best practices with Singapore in leadership, community development and social welfare.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state sees immense value in fostering closer cooperation through knowledge-sharing, leadership exchanges, capacity-building programmes and community partnerships.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the People’s Association Women’s Integration Network (PAWIN) Singapore to the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) at Wisma Wanita on Friday (July 24), she said both sides share common aspirations in empowering women and strengthening communities.
“PAWIN’s work in promoting social integration, volunteerism, women’s leadership and community engagement closely complements the ministry’s ongoing initiatives across Sarawak.”
She said the state is also prepared to share its experience in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, skills development, capacity building and income-generating programmes with its Singaporean counterparts.
“Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) remain indispensable partners in delivering community services, particularly in reaching families and vulnerable groups in rural areas.”
She said the Sarawak government continues to recognise NGOs as key stakeholders in building resilient communities by providing grants and support for programmes that foster social cohesion.
According to her, sustainable social progress can only be achieved through strong collaboration between governments, community leaders, volunteers and civil society organisations.
Fatimah also expressed Sarawak’s interest in learning from Singapore’s expertise in women’s development, early childhood education and active ageing, allowing suitable approaches to be adapted locally.
She said closer cooperation between Sarawak and Singapore would strengthen bilateral ties while creating new opportunities to empower women, develop communities and prepare future generations for emerging challenges.
